About Us
Our Mission
At Desert Hawk Aviation, our mission is to empower U.S. allies to enhance their defense capabilities, secure their nations, and safeguard their citizens through the establishment of professional Combat Aviation programs. We are dedicated to transferring our extensive knowledge and experience to our allies, ensuring they have the skills and resources necessary to effectively respond to any threat. Our commitment to excellence in training, maintenance, and operational support underpins every program we develop, providing our partners with a strong foundation for aviation success.
Our Instructors
- Highly qualified with Special Operations background
- Many are Weapons School Graduates
- All have combat experience
Thomas Perkins
CEO
30 year US Army military career culminating with rank of Chief Warrant Officer 5. Flight Lead in AH-6 as member of the 160th SOAR (A) including numerous deployments to OIF/OEF and extensive combat experience. Extensive background instructing a multitude of aviation and weaponeering subjects to include basic flight, advanced tactics, aerial gunnery, and close air support. Over 9 years instructing foreign military aviators and crewmembers in various aircraft throughout the world. Graduate and Instructor at US Marine Corp MAWTS-1 Weapons School for 5 years. Experience as a scout pilot and tank crewmember giving Tom tremendous experience with ground forces and how they see the battlefield. Forward Air Controller (Airborne) Instructor FAC AI. Highly proficient at controlling jet aircraft during air to ground engagements.
Jerry Blackwell
Chief Instructor
Experienced Helicopter Instructor Pilot with over 7,000 flying hours (3,800 NVG/NVS) and a demonstrated history of working in both General Purpose and SOF Aviation. Recently transitioned from the US Army as a SOF helicopter Standardization Instructor Pilot with over 37 years of military service, 34 as a US Army aviator. Skilled in Air Transportation Operations, Aviation Gunnery, Leadership, Helicopters, Special Operations, and Joint Operations. Strong operations professional who graduated from US Army Flight School, 160th SOAR Green Platoon, USMC Weapons and Tactics Instructors course and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Experienced with both flight and ground training simulators. Currently holds an active TS/SCI security clearance and a FAA CFII.
Eric Wright
Team Lead responsible for scheduling contractors to support military training. Coordinates and conducts training for the AH/MD530FF Cayuse Warrior as an Independent Contractor. Instructs and mentors maintainers on operational use to employ in austere environments around the world. Executes glass cockpit upgrades and continued airworthiness inspections with quick turn around.
Experienced Master Sergeant with a demonstrated history of working in the military industry. Strong military and protective services professional skilled in Counterinsurgency, Operational Planning, Command, U.S. Department of Defense, and Special Operations.
Jason Pope
Lance Lay
